GPs admit prescribing ‘active’ placebos
GPs back the use of active placebos so long as there is patient awareness, study shows
Three out of four GPs in a small Australian survey say they prescribe active placebos, most commonly to treat self-limiting viral infections.
About one in five will offer antibiotics for suspected viral infections, with other common ‘active placebos’ including treatments for sleep disturbance and pain-related conditions, the study suggests.
